Scooby-Doo: The Legend

Scooby-Doo: The Legend

Growing up, one of my favorite shows to watch was Scooby-Doo. Since I was born in 2003, I mostly watched the animated version What’s New Scooby-Doo. However, as I got older I started to watch some of the other animations of Scooby-Doo as well as the movies. Here are some of my favorite, and least favorite Scooby-Doo shows and movies. Disclaimer, I haven’t seen all of the movies or all the shows, this is strictly my opinion.

 

My absolute favorite version of Scooby-Doo is the original. Lasting from 1969 to 1970, typical run time for these episodes were only about 20 minutes. Nonetheless, there is just something so nostalgic about watching the original version of this amazing franchise. When I was younger, I used to sit on the couch with my mom and we would watch this show all day long. 

 

Next up is What’s New Scooby-Doo. Airing from 2002 to 2006, part of the reason why I love the animated version of the show is because I grew up with this version. Much like the original version, the episodes all have the same plot line so watching the series can become kind of boring. I still love the series though. 

 

The final animated version of the series that I like is Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. Airing from 2010 to 2013, this series takes a darker approach to the series. While still following the outline of the previous series, the show has an underlying plot that’s followed throughout the season. As a child, I didn’t really understand why everything in this version was darker than the rest. This past summer, I went back through and rewatched the series and I actually liked it a lot better than when I was younger. I liked how instead of the same old plot that was followed each episode, this series actually had a storyline that each mystery tied into. I also really liked the mystery that surrounded the entire show. Now onto the movies. 

 

Some of my favorite movies from the franchise are Big Top Scooby-Doo, Scooby-Doo On Zombie Island, as well as the first two live action movies. I’ve seen some other animated movies, but I was like 12 when I last watched them so I don’t really remember anything from them. Now, as for the movies and shows that I don’t like. 

 

Surprisingly, there aren’t many shows that I don’t like from the franchise. The only show that I truly dislike is Be Cool Scooby-Doo. From what I’ve heard, the actual show isn’t all that bad and has a decent plot, but I just can’t get over the animation. I don’t know what the creators were trying to do, but the characters look like the kid versions mixed with the adult versions that are on drugs. I just don’t like it which makes me sad because I really would like to get into it. I also know a lot of people don’t like the versions that include Scrappy Doo in the show or movies. I don’t really have any opinion on this as I’ve not seen a whole lot of  the character. 

 

As for the movies, I don’t dislike any of them. The most recent one I saw was Scoob, and overall it was alright. The plot was interesting enough to keep my attention, even if some of it was far-fetched and cringy. I’m not thrilled that they replaced the voice actor of Shaggy seeing as they didn’t even ask Matthew Lillard, who had played Shaggy for almost 20 years, to be in the film. Although, I have to say the soundtrack for the movie is very good. 

 

I should also mention that one of my favorite episodes of Scooby-Doo is not from the actual franchise. It’s called Scooby Natural and it actually comes from the show Supernatural. It’s absolutely hilarious, and the best part is you don’t need to know anything about the show to watch the episode. If you would like to check out the show it’s on Netflix, and you can find the episode in the 13th season, specifically episode 16. Fair warning, this show is not suitable for younger audiences so watch at your own risk. 

 

Overall, I think that a large part of the reason that new series and movies don’t do as well as the older ones is because a lot of fans don’t like how the stories developed, the actors used, or the drawing styles. Granted there are series that were made in the 80’s that fans hated, but this is strictly my opinion. You may agree or disagree with this list, but overall these are my favorite and least favorite shows and movies from the franchise.